If you've ever wondered how you can make a real difference, look no further than volunteering. Sharing your wealth of life experience, perspective, and knowledge can enrich the lives not just of your grandchildren, but young people everywhere.

Helping out young people can give you a renewed energy, says April Masini, a relationship expert, author of four books and founder of the website, AskApril.com. "Volunteering your time can make you feel good about yourself," Masini says. "It's a good way to give back to the community and to be useful. Seniors have a perspective on life that younger people don't have."

Before you decide how you'd like to help out, do a self-assessment, suggests Forrest Hong, LCSW, C-ASWCM, chair of the Specialty Practice Section on Aging for the National Association of Social Workers. "See what specific interests and hobbies you may be willing to share. It may be as simple as reading to children."

Other simple ways to help younger people:

  • Offer to take a teenage grandchild on a college visit or volunteer together at a food kitchen.
  • Share financial advice. In today's troubled economic climate, it's one of the most valuable ways you can help young people.
  • Become a mentor to someone who is just launching her career. Individuals who have decades of experience in the work world can be a tremendous resource to those just starting out in a career, says Raphael Wald, Psy D, licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist. "You have incredible expertise and have a great deal of information to offer," he says.
  • Help "millenials" communicate better with your generation. Helping them communicate with older co-workers is a valuable skill—especially with today's workplace employing people from many different generations.

Other Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

  • Check out veterans' organizations. "This is a great way to give back to veterans who serve all of us and who need help," says Masini. "Call your local Veteran's Administration and ask about volunteer outlets."
  • Check your local court's website for volunteer opportunities. "Seniors with a perspective on life offer a calm demeanor and the benefit of their education," Masini says.
  • Interested in free or discounted classes? Volunteer at a yoga or exercise studio as a registrar and get a free class, suggests Hong.
  • You can find additional volunteer opportunities in your region by searching the databases at getinvolved.gov or volunteermatch.org.

If one volunteer opportunity doesn't feel right, don't stay if you are miserable, Masini says. But don't quit altogether just because one situation isn't right. Try another one in a different field.

"What's great about volunteering is that you get to do something for others and you get to create a little structure," adds Hong. "It keeps you involved with others, and thereby you avoid isolating yourself."